Eleoteioal apparatus



(No Model.) G W- HEY 4 Sheets-:Sheet 1. ELECTRICAL APPARATUS PatentedFeb. 13, 1894. [55

ATTORNEY n4: ummuhu. LIYHOGRAPHIIIG com-Arm wAsumu-mu. a. c.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets8heet 2.

G. 'W. HEY.

v BLEGTRIGAL APl ARATUS- No. 514,465. PatentedFeb. 13, 1894.

TNESSES: gVENTUR l I? f Jd@ m, BY

' ATTORNE (No Model.)

- 4 Sheets-Sheet 3. w. HEY. ELEGTRIGAL APPARATUS Patented Feb. 13,1894.- I

unk/77% W ATTORNEY THE NATIONAL LH'NQGMPHING COMPANY,

wasumm-ou. a a.

(No ModeL) .4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

G. W. HEY. ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.

DH 0 I N E V W WITNESSES: @f w, ia/fima ATTORNEY THE NAwouALLXTNOGRAPHING ccunm'.

UNITED STATES PATENT Prion.

GEORGE 1V. HEY, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 514,462, dated February13, 189 4.

Applicationfiled May 9, 1892. Serial No. 432,284. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

, Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga, in the State of New York, haveinvented new and useful Improvements in Electrical Apparatus, ofwhichthe following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is afull, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to improvements in an apparatus for electricallytransmitting signals, particularly designed for use in telephonic andtelegraphic service, and is somewhat similar to the apparatus describedand claimed in my pending application, Serial No. 430,274, filed April22, 1892, and it consists, essentially, in a central or main telephonestation, a series of branch circuit wires connected to the main station,branch stations connected to branch circuit wires, automaticallyoperating switches between the main station and the branch circuitwires, and between th eseveral branch stations and their respectivecircult wires whereby the branch stations of separate circuits maybeconnected through the medium of the main station, or the branchstations of one of the circuits may be connected without the mainstation and in the detail construction and arrangement of the parts, allas hereinafter more particularly described and pointed out in theclaims.

In describing this invention, reference is bad to the accompanyingdrawings, forming a part of this specification, in which like lettersand figures indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure l is a diagrammatic view, illustrating the general constructionand arrangement of one form of apparatus for carrying out my invention.Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of one of the series of branch stations ofthe apparatus shown at Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional viewofonset the detached switches, adapted to be interposed between theseparate or independent circuit wires and the main and branch stations,shown as inclosed in a casing or box. Fig.4 is a front face view of thedetached switch shown at Fig. 3, illustratedas in its normal position.Fig. 5 is a front face view, similar to Fig. 3, representing theterminals of the switch as just on the point of engaging one another forpermitting thepassage of the current to the station connected theretofor ringing its signal. Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are verticalsectional detail views, representing the terminals of one of theswitches in various positions for clearly illustrating the action ofsaid switch; and Figs. 13 and let are detail sectional views, taken onlines 13-43, l4.1t, Fig. 4.

In my atoresaidprevious application I have called attention to the wellknown fact that the continued ringing of the bells and the liability ofmistaking a telephone call. I am aware, however, that certain telephonecall bell systems have been devised for calling a predetermined stationof a series on a single line, but as usually constructed, these systemsare dependent in operation either upon complicated mechanism, wiring,electric motors, currents of different quality and nonautomaticresetters,or are so constructed and arranged as to momentarily close thesignaloperating circuits in stations other than the one to which thepredetermined call is addressed.

My present signaling system, like the one set forth in my aforesaidapplication, Serial No. 430,274, is entirely differentiated from devicesof this character, in that, it is extremely simpleand practical inconstruction and operation; does not, for its practical operation,require complicated wiring, electric motors, or currents of dilferentquality. Moreover, it is so constructed and arranged, that the switchesat each station are automatically reset as soon as one of thesignal-operating circuits is closed by the switch at any station of theseries on the same circuit Wire and that the signal-operating circuit ofthe station to which the call is addressed is positively and effectuallyclosed without requiring momentary closing of the signal-operatingcircuits at the other stations of the series.

LCD

I have illustrated, described and claimed in my aforesaid application anapparatus for electrically transmitting signals whereby a number oftelephones may be connected upon a main wire and any particulartelephone called at will from the main station without operating thesignal bells of the other telephones.

In this invention I have sought to still further simplify the art oftransmitting signals for telephonic, telegraphic and similar purposes soas to enable one station to positively and practically call anotherwithout the necessity of calling upon the central station for connectionto the other station, or the inconvenience and annoyance of ringing thesignal bell upon any station other than the required one.

It is well known that at present each separate station is compelled toapply to the main station for connection to another and that the mainstation is filled with a net-work of wires and an extensive andcomplicated switch board requiring constant care and numerousattendants; consequently, as by my improved. invention I enable onestation to call another on either side thereof without theaid of themain station, great inconvenience and annoyance is obviated and agreatsaving in the time, labor, cost and mainte-' nanceof telephonic systemsefiected. To effect this result, I connect to the main station a'seriesof branch circuit wires, provide each of these circuit wires with aseries of branch stations, and interpose between each of the circuitwires and the main and branch stations automatically operating switchesso arranged, connected and constructed that any one is automaticallyclosed and the others automatically returned to their normal positionwhenthe currents passed through the branch circuit wires are of apredetermined number and duration,whereby one may be automaticallyclosed while the others remain open.

In order that my invention may be readily understood, I have here shownas one of the forms embodying the same, a simple telephonic system, butit will be evident, as will be hereinafter reiterated, that my inventionis not limited to this particular form of mechanism, or to use upontelephonic systems.

-R-S-S'S S S branch stations, and -II-T-U- branch circuit wiresconnected to the main and branch stations.

I have here illustrated the corresponding divisions or sections I-I Il-I-I H I l25 H26 127, 'l2l T22 T23 T24 T25 T26 T27 d U21 U22 U23 U24 U25U and U of the branch circuit wires -HT-U- as substantially parallel,and at Fig. l have shown a series of six stations connected to eachcircuit wire, the parts of the first branch station of each series beingdiagrammatically illustrated and the remaining stations being indicatedby rectangles,

as the space is insufficient to diagrammatically indicate the parts ofeach station. The inner sections I-I T U of the wires --I-I'T- and U-are provided with terminals -1-2 and 3 connected to one end of thelevers -H'T andU- of a switch H The other end of the levers -H'T-r and Uare each alternately movable between terminals 45-, -6-7-, and 8--9-.The terminals at-- 6 and -8 are connected respectively to the inner endsof movable switches or keys -H T and -U having their opposite endsinterposed between the terminals -10- 11., -12 13, and 14.-l5. Theterminals l012- and 14- are connected respectively to one end of thewiresH T and U having their opposite ends connected to the upper end ofthe wire H the lower end of which is connected to the ground H and theterminals l1-13 and -15 are each connected to the upper end of a wire Hhaving its opposite-end secured to the positive pole of asuitable'battery or other electrical generator H The negative pole ofthe battery -I-I-is connected by a wire H to the ground wire -H. Thewires H T and U are provided with the respective-loops H T and Uconnected to magnets H T U adapted to close automatic switches h-, t,and -u,- interposed in the electric circuit H to which are connectedsuitable signals as electric bells il -T and -U The circuit I*l consistsof a suitable battery or electric generator I-I a positive wire I-1having branches H H H leading t5 the respective switches These switcheshtu are normally open or out of circuit and as will be presentlydescribed, are of such construction as to be closed one at a time.

The bell -H is of the usual construction and consists of a magnet -H--connected to the branch I-I a clapper or hammer -H and a vibratingshell H of the same construction as the shell -B shown in cross sectionat Fig. 3. The bells T and ---.U" are composed of corresponding parts 'l--U T -U and --T -U the magnets T and -U being connected, respectively,to the branches H and H of the wire H Whenthe switch -h is closed, or incircuit the current is passed through the wire -H branch H branch Hmagnet -H and return wire --I-1 thus bringing the bell l'l into actionby striking the clapper H- upon the Vibrating shell -I-I Ontheeontrary,whentheswitcht-isclosed,the current passes from the wire Hthrough the branches --I-I --H to the magnet -T and thereby causes thesignal or bell ---T to operate and when the switch ais open, the currentpasses from the wire -H through the branches 'H H to the magnet -U andbrings the bell U into action.

The rear end of thefirst section H of the branch circuit wire -H- isconnected to a terminal bof the first telephone station of the seriesconnected to said wire, as best seen at-Fig. 2.

, The outer end of a switch lever -B' of the' switch -B swings upon theterminal band the other end of said lever is movable between terminalsZl"-b The terminal-b-- is connected to one end of a switch or key --B--having its opposite end movable between terminals -b -h connected,

respectively, to one end of the section l-l of the circuit wire -H andto the upper end of a wire B connected to the positive pole of a battery-B--.

The negative pole of the battery B is connected by a wire B to theground H The section H of the wire H- extends from the terminal -42through, (or in suitable proximity to) a suitable magnet -Z foroperating the switch -i' of an independent circuit -I connected theretoand extends to the terminal t mer station.

pendent circuit -J- corresponding to the terminal 1, sections H H H -H-H -H H of the wire H, the terminalsh cde-fg, switch leversB-C-D'E'F-G-,terminals --b -cde-f g-, switches or keys B' -O D -E -F Gand the magnets -b c -d -e --f and -g hen desired to call from the mainstation any of the branch stations connected to the main wire --H, thekey or switch vH is depressed into contact with the terminal '1l and thecurrent passes from the battery H through the wire -I-l terminal -ll-,switch or key -H terminal -4-, switch lever H, terminal 1 and wiresection -H to the first telephone station,thence through the terminalbswitch lever --B', terminal -b-, switch or key -B terminal b wiresection --H and magnet b-- of the station -B, thence through the wiresections H -'H -H finally through the wire section =-H to the Thebattery -H may consist of any de sired form of electric generator, theswitches H2 s 2 B3 O2 G3 2 3 2 s ried or constructed and the magnets -b-c --d -e and -g may be of any suitable construction capable of beingenergized or brought into action by the passingcurrent and theparticular form of wiring connecting the aforesaid parts may be variedat will.

The main station -A is provided with a transmitter a'- connected by awire -a having a primary coil -a, to the negative pole of the battery Hbya portion of the ground wire H and the wire -H and is connected by awire -a to a terminal a with which is registered one end of a switchlever -0 hinged to a terminal a connected. by a wire a with a positivepole of the battery H This main station is also provided with areceiver-a connected to the ground wire -H- bya wire -e provided with asec ondary coil a surrounding the primary coil a and connected by a wire-a to the terminals 97- and 5- with which the switch levers U''l" and Hare separately registered in order to connect the receiver --a with thecircuit wires UT- and -H. l

The lever 0, is independently connected to the levers -H-T and U by therespective insulating bars a a and -ct having open slots at their endsengaged with pins -aprojecting from said lever. Consequently,when eitherof the switch levers H"-'T"'U-:-:is recked'irom-itspositiomshown at Fig.1; into engagementwith the correspondingoneof the terminals '-5-: 7* or-r9'",- the :lever -'-a: is I sim ultan e:- i ously shifted intoengagementwith the ter minal --co and, assaid one of the leversposition; asuitablespring 55 3 retracts the extremitiesiareadaptedrtoregister withtermt rials ---'w -w upon'th'e wires s lls-U for :1'c'on'n'cotin g said wires together; The levers r act-20 1+ are mountedonsthe respective in- 1' v j sulatin'gp'osts -+w +w e-'andtlieiropposite 'ends-areadaptedto register with the terminals wi ew kand arl/ moan ted on the respectivewires H-'-T U- for connecting:

' the wire -"T= to either-oi the wires il 1 I The telephone station Beeconnected to the circuit wire -I-l-i is provided with a 1 transmittersews-'5 wire ""b primary coil The remaining stations OD-E-F b representsa switch or key having one end registeredwith the terminal b on the wireB and the other adapted to be brought into contact with the terminal bon the wire section H- for passing a current from the wire B through thestations ODEF and G- in the same manner as a current is passed from thewire -l-l' through the stations -B- CDEF- and -G.

The wires C D"?E and F are provided with terminals c -d e and '1 iWhen'desiredto call the mainstationfrom;

the first station of the seriesfoonnected to the w I wire H--'-, theswitch or key --B'--'- is de- 1 1 V I {HQSSQdElBlZO contact with theterminal-'b v andthe electric'current'passes from'thebat terminal iebieiwire +3 terminal ebi-e',

tery -B through the switch or key -B +13 and wire section r switchlevers-8' terminal --b-;- themain' wire section t il theterm inai dee,switch r i lever:eeH :terminalil--, switch or key l-1 terminal:o--10--;wire fit-e,- the mag a net-"41 01? thebe ll H and ground wire o'-H "Tlle bfil l li f isthus operatedand V I attracts the attention ofthe operator at the central office andimmediately he moves the i s witchlevers -kl ii ea inte contactwi-th'the terminals ;-r5-'-' and o i-- andthe userof the l I 1 f telephone atthe branch station B-1- moves It ithen generated in the secondary coil+-a ++1 I 7 t which is conncctedtothe'grou ndhythewire g 5 I-l'and the portion of thewire-a interposedbetween the coil --a and the wire I-l and said current is passed fromthe coil a through the opposite portion of the wire a, the receiver a--,wire a terminal -5-, switch lever H', terminal l, branch Wire section -Hterminal b, switch lever B, terminal -b wire b receiver b and throughthe wire b to the ground. The induced current may be generated in likemanner in the station -B by the passage of a current from the positivepole of the battery --B* through the wire b terminal b switch lever -bterminal b wire -b transmitter b wire -b primary coil b and wire B tothe negative pole of the battery B and said induced current will passfrom the secondary coilb which is connected to the ground -H by oneextremity of the wire -b and by the wire B through the oppositeextremity of the wire b --,the receiver 17 Wire b terminal b switchlever B, terminal b, wire section H terminal 1-, switch lever --H,terminal 5, wire a, receiver --a, and wires a and H" to the ground. Itwill be noted that when the switches -I-1 and B are shifted as justdescribed, for transmitting speech from the line, so that the free endsof the lovers H'B- rest upon the terminals 5:-

series connected to thh wire -H-.-, it being" understood thatthesections of the wire H between the main station and the branch stationin circuit with the main station, are utilized for the transmission ofthe current and that the sections of the wire -l-I on the opposite sideof said branch station remain cut out. The first branch stations -O andR- of the series connected to the sections T -U of the wires --T, U areof similar construction to the station -B,

previously described, connected to the section batteries 0 R terminalsor-, -o'r -o r o-r-, magnets --0 r transmitters -o -r wires 0 -r primarycoils -0 -'r wires "o -4 terminals *0- r switchlevers o r -,terminals0 Fwires -o"r receivers o-r wires o secondary coils o"--*r-, wires -o r-,insulatiug bars 0 r switches or keys -0 -r terminals 0 r, 0 r circuits-X-Y, and switches ,r--g of similar construction andarrangementtothecorrespondingpartsB-- B B B*-B -B bbb -b b b b7 b8 b9bill Z711 bl2 bl3 b14 bl5 bl0 b -b -b ZJ -b -b Ii of the telephonestat-ion .B-. The remaining stations -P-P-P --P P and SS-- 8 -3 -3 ofthe separate series of branch stations connected to the respective wires-TU- are here indicated only by rectangles as previously stated, but itwill be evident that they are composed of parts similar in constructionand arrangement to those of the first stations -OR connected to saidwires -TU- and just described.

The described main station -A and branch stations BCD-E--F-G, -O-P-P'P P-P ,RSS S S S may be of any desirable form, size, and construction, andI have here described only a simple form thereof, it being understoodthat any construction and arrangement of electric generators, wires,connections, receivers and transmitters, suitable for use in thetransmission and reproduction of sound may be used.

U and -H T U of the bells n T and U previously described, but it will beevident that these signals or bells may be of any desired constructioncapable of being set in motion through the medium of an electriccurrent. As these bells -B -C may be'of any desirable form, size and constructionto attract the attention of the operator at the stationsprovided therewith, it is unnecessary to f urtherillustrate and describesaid parts, especiallyas at Fig. 3 I have, in illustrating the switchi-,presently described,

of the bell--B in enlarged scale as operat-ively mounted on the casing1inclosing the switch z. The switches -ij-7c-l mnm y are of si m ilarconstruction and arrangement and I have here illustrated, at Figs. 3, a,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, the switch z' of the firsttelephone-station B connected to the wire H-. This switch consists of amovable disk --i', which forms a support for the terminal 1? and isprovided with ratchet teeth t' upon its periphery, a resetter or springi* for returning the disk or terminal support to its normal position, anactuator or lever i carrying a terminal adapted to be brought intoregistration with the terminal -1? for closiug the circuit I andcarrying a dog i' for engaging the teeth -t' of the disk i' andpartially rotating said disk on its pivot i and a stop or dog -t' forholding the disk or terminal supporti in its adjusted position. Theswitch 'i is preferably mounted in a frame or box I'-, Fig. 3, which maybe arranged in suitable proximity to the ordinary telephone frame orbox, not necessary to herein illustrate, adaptedto support the parts ofthe telephone station B, and may, if desired, be a part of said box. Thepivot i for the disk iis, as best seen at Fig.3, journaled in the wallsof the case 1"- and oneend of the spring-z' is rigidly secured to saidpivot and the other to the disk ifor automatically forcing said disk toits normal position with the stop i thereon in contact with the stop z'provided upon the frame I. upon the pivot 2l and extends outwardlybeyondtheperipheryofthe disk e"and the terminal i on said lever isarranged midway hetween its extremities ata point directly above theouter portion of the disk 'i'-. This terminal -z' consists, preferably,ofa

screw inserted into the side of an insulating block 'll secured byscrews i to the under faoe of the lever -t' and formed with the head--rI projecting upwardly in a side out out z' in the lever. The outerendof IIC The lever z"" is hinged 7 the lever z' is deflected downwardlyand iinto engagement with the ratchet teeth -?l*., The magnet -Z is inproximity to one end of the lever i which is provided with an armature--1l opposite to the pole thereof and when the magnet is energized bythe current passed therethrough in calling the station -B, the lever t'is drawn forwardly as shown by an arrow at Fig. t, and the disk -i isthereby partially rotated. The dog t' for holding the disk from returnmovement consists of a bell crank lever having one arm provided with atooth t' adapted to engage the teeth t" of the disk 'L and the otherwith a projecting lug -t and is supported upon the pivot projecting fromthe wall of the outer case I". A lever "11 is pivoted on a post 7,projecting from the case 1'-- and is provided at one end with a slot t'registered with the lug -1?- and at the other with an armature -iadapted to be drawn toward the magnet -h when the same is energized,thus disengaging the tooth 7l from the teeth vl to permit retraction ofthe disk z"- to its normal position by the spring i represents a cammounted on a post -W- and adapted to engage a shoulder -t' on the dogt'*- and force the same as the lever -t' is drawn forward by the magnet--b out of engagement with the teeth -z' against the action of thespring t surrounding said dog for throwing the same into action. It willthus be understood that when the armatures -t" and -1l are in engagementwith the magnet b the dog -z' and the tooth -z' are out of engagementwith the teeth t' in order to permit retraction of the disk --i by thespring -i and that when the main circuit is broken immediately afterbeing closed to effect the energization of the magnet b the lever-vF-isforced to its normal position byaspring-t bearingagainst thesame,the dog17- is then engaged with the teeth -t' by the'spring -i and rides oversaid teeth against the action of said spring -t' and the tooth --c'- ofthe dog --z" is forced into instant engagement with the teeth z by aspring -t' bearing against the dog 2'-. The movement of the lever t' andthe length of the teeth -t' are so proportioned with reference to eachother that by each movement of the lever, the disk z"- is rotatedforwardly a tooth and a half, but when the main circuit is instantlybroken and the tooth z' forced against the teeth z''-, the springretracts said disk a half a tooth, so that the actual advance of thediskis but a single tooth, although the same moves forwardly a tooth anda half, since the disk also moves backwardly a half a tooth with eachforward movement. This peculiar construction of the parts insurespositive and automatic return of the diskshould the current passedthrough the wire -H- and the magnet b be of considerable duration, sincethe dog z' and the tooth 2'- are then held out of engagement with theteeth z' and the spring 1l instantly returns said disk to its normalposition. On the contrary, when said current is of short duration, thedog -t' is instantly returned and engages the disk z"-- withoutpermitting the retraction thereof for more than half a tooth. It is thusevident that when a series of consecutive currents of short duration arepassed through the magnet-N- by rapidly closing and breaking the circuitthrough the wire H, the disk t" rotates forwardly one tooth for eachpulsation of current passed through the main wire and when the currentof long duration is passed through the magnet b the disk is immediatelyretracted to its normal position. The disk c" is formed with aconcentric groove or slot -t' arranged directly beneath the terminal andthe groove is provided with serrations or notches i in its longitudinaledges.

represents a head or box supported in the groove and formed withshoulders i resting upon the top and bottom faces of said disk, which ispreferably reinforced along the edges of the slot z' The head is heldfrom rearward lengthwise movement in the slot -t' by a plate 1l engagedwith the serrations --7; in the edges of the slot -i and from forwardmovement by a spring t' having one end engaged with the forward face ofthe head t' and the other with a plate t' corresponding to the plate 1lIt will thus be noted that the terminals t 'and -'i" are separated onefrom the other, and that, as the lever 2' rotates the disk --.1l', theterminals are approximated for opening the circuit -I and bringing thebell B into action to attract the attention of the user of the station-l I In order that. the approximation of the terminals may be readilyperceived, I have, at Figs. 6 to 12 inclusive illustrated the movementsof said terminals from their extreme separated position to theirposition assumed when in contact.

At Fig. 6 the terminals are in their extreme separated position, and, asclearly seen in this View, the terminal -i is forced downwardly by acoilspring -t' bearing against ashoulder -t' on said terminal. As thelever --1l moves forwardlyfrom its position'shown at Fig. 6, it carrieswith it the disk -i' and the terminal t' until it assumes its positionshown at Fig. 7 and upon reference to these figures it will be notedthat therelative distance between the terminals -1?- and -i has not beenchanged. As-soon, however, as upon the breaking of the 'main circuit,the lever i is retracted by the spring 1? to its position shown bydotted lines at Fig. 7, and full lines at Fig. 8, the terminals i and iare somewhat approximated, since the disk is held by the dog 2' frombackward movement after having been retracted a half tooth by the spring-1I ICC The terminal a? projects beneath the head t and directly in thepath of the projecting end thereof is a cam t"- for raising saidterminal upwardly against the action of' At Fig. 6 theprojectingendotthe terminal is shown at its greatest separation from this cam t',' atFig. 7 it has approached the cam .t: a distance corresponding to theforward rotation of the disk -i'- a single tooth,

and atFig. 8, which represents the parts as in the position when thelever z' has twice moved the disk forward, it has still furtherapproached the cam -2'. The current being quickly broken when the leveri is in its position shown by full lines at Fig. 8, it moves backwardlyto its position shown by dotted lines at Fig. 8, thus approximating theterminals -1?- and t" suificiently so that the upper end of the terminal-t' is directly beneath the forward edge of the lever 'i but, owing tothe presence of the insulating block t' directly above said terminal thepassage of electricity between the terminal r?- and lover t' isabsolutely prevented.

At Fig. 9 I have shown the parts in the position assumed when the levert' has rotated the disk "t" a third "tooth, and, although the relat-iveapproximation of the terminals -i 2'- has not varied from that j ust,described, the lower end of the terminal -i is at the foot of the upwardinclination of the cam -i--. The lever t' when re tracted by the springc' from its position shown by full lines at Fig. 9 assumes its positionshown by dotted lines at said figure and moves from above the terminal--i As the lever -t' moves the disk -i'-- a fourth tooth the terminal 4is forced upwardly by the cam 1I against the action of its spring --t'-,and, if the electric current is of duration sufficiently long to permitthe return movement of the disk i'-'-, the terminal-fiim mediatelycontacts with the terminal 'z'- and the circuit--I- is closed. Owing tothe contact of said terminals, the head 1l -isheld from retraction andthe spring c' is compressed by the return movement of the disk t". Whenthe main circuit is broken thelever -i moves to its position shown bydotted lines at Fig. 10, the

spring Z forces the head -Z rearceding, the lever -z' returns to itsnormal position, and moves above the post -i movable throughinsulatingbushings z' in the head ---2'-. lfthe fifth current is then ofz', and, when the disk i returns, the

insulatingpost encounters the terminal -i as shown by dotted lines atFig. 12, thus preventing the contact of the terminals 1l i and theclosing of the circuit I. It will thus be seen that the terminals z' andt"'- can only come into contact when three currents of short durationare passed through the branch circuit wire H-- and are followed by afourth of longer duration, and that should but three consecutivecurrents of either equal or unequal duration be passed through the maincircuit, the switch i will be automatically reset and that should, asdescribed, four currents of short duration be followed by one of eitherlong or short duration, an insulating post intervenes between saidterminals. The terminals -z' and i may, however, be so relativelyarranged as to vary the number of currents of short duration required inconnection with one of long duration to bring said terminals intocontact, since the terminal t' may be moved on either side of itsposition shown at Figs. 4 and 5 by removing the stop plate forcing thehead t' to the desired position, and returning the plate -i intoengagement with the serrations i to form a stop for said head.

The circuit I-- consistsof a positive wire F- from a battery I"- to thepivot i of the disk t", the negative wire -I from the negative pole ofthe battery I to the magnet -B of the bell B and the wire -1 from themagnet "B to the terminal -.-t'

As previously stated, the terminal z" is insulated from the lever i andconsequently, there is no flow of electricity through the switch -'iuntil the terminals 7? and ?l are in contact. As the lever i iscontinuously in movement when the current is passing, I obviate wear onthe wire -l to the greatest possible extent by winding the same aroundthe pivotal pin t'*' and running the same lengthwise of the lever -zuntil the terminal -t" is reached.

As described, a separate battery I is used for the circuit I-, but it isevident that the battery B* may be provided with an extra pair ofpositive and negative poles connected to the wires -I l -I or that anyother suitable electric generator may be used, and that the circuit -I-is not limited to any particular form of wiring.

The circuits JKLMN-X and Y are each shown as composed of1part's 3corresponding to the like parts I I The switches -htu of the circuit I-Ipreviously described, which bring into action the respective bells l-l'l of the main station, are also constructed in the same manner as theswitch t and are composed of corresponding parts as movable disks h'tu,terminals -h -t u levers h --t -u terminals h tu, slots -h -t u heads hi 2t springs -h -t 'u, and insulating posts h t u corresponding inconstruction and operation to the like parts rl-i t i i -i and i of theswitch i'. It is therefore unnecessary to illustrate, in enlarged views,any of these switches h-t uj7c-Z-m-nxy-, it being understood that theirrespective terminals-h h t 25 u u, -j j -7c lc PZ", m m n n :u .'x; -y-y and the terminals vl -vj of the switch --i are of unequal separation.To illustrate: the terminals h -h are separated but slightly so thatthey are approximated by the forward movement of the disk -i'-a toothand a half and the return movement of the disk a tooth and a halfoccasioned by the passage of a single current oflong duration throughthe circuit -I-I The terminals --t t are separated twice as far as theterminals -h .h and are approximated by the passage through the circuitI-l of a current of short duration followed by one of long duration.Theterminals to u are separated three times as far as the terminals h hand are approximated by two currents of short duration followedimmediately by one of long duration and as just fully described, theterminals i t' are approximated by the passage of three currents ofshort duration followed by one-0t long duration.

Each pair of the terminals -j 7' ,-7t l -Z m -m are separated a greaterdistance than the terminals of the switch next in advance thereof so asto be approximated by the passage of a current of long duration followedby a number of currents of short duration exceeding the number ofcurrents of short duration for approximating the next preceding stationwhen followed by a current 0t long duration.

As illustrated, the terminals --x x -y y are separated the same distanceas the terminals i -i-- but they may be separated a greater distancethan the terminals of the last stations G-P of the series of branchstations connected to the branch wires HT-- This unequalseparation ofthe terminals of the respective switches -h-- m n x y when the currentsof short 7 duration passed through the circuit wires -HT-Uare in excessof the number designed to approximate said terminals when followed by acurrent of long duration; in the same manner that the terminals-i 4l areseparated by the post ---i when four currents of short duration arefollowed by one of long duration. It will also be evident that the disksht-u'-i-jZo-lm n0cy are automatically returned to position when acurrent of long duration is passed through the magnets H T U b5 5 d5 5 55 5 5 As previously stated, I have not herein illustrated the stations-PP-P -P -P SS-S S --S but have only indicated said stations byrectangles. It will be evident, however, that these stations are alsoprovided with switches corresponding to, and operating in the samemanner as, those previously described, and so arranged that theterminals of the switches of the branch stations of each series are ofunequal separation in the same manner as the terminals -t' i j -j 7c 7oPZ, m -m and -n n of the stations -BODEF G- of the seriesjust describedand connected to the circuit wire H are separated. These switches h tu1' j-7cZ-m-nx y and the switches of the stations P PP P P SS'S S S notillustrated nor described are a simple form of mechanism for carryingout my invention and may be of any desired form, size and constructionto attain the desired end, that is, the bringing into action of aparticular or predetermined signal of a series of connected stationswithout bringing the signals of any of the other stations into action.

As hereinbefore stated, the operator at one of the stations, as F-, whowishes to call the central station, depresses the key F into contactwith the terminal -f and the electric current passes through the wire-H- and theinterveningstations E.DO-B to the central station A-- andrings the bell -H thus attracting the attention of the operator at themain station. As each of these stations E-D-'-O-B and --A- are providedwith normally open switches -l7cj-i-hhaving their terminals of ICCunequal separation, the operator, at the branch station F, can ring anyof said stations by regulating the number and duration of theconsecutive currents passed through the wire I-I- by the ,contact of thekey -F and with the terminal and the withdrawal or" said key from theterminal f*- in thesame mannerthat, as previously described, theoperator at the main station rings the signal bell of either of thebranch stations connected thereto. Consequently, great inconvenience andannoyance in the use of telephones is obviated and a great saving in thecostand maintenance of telephone systems efiected since one of thebranch stations connected to the same wire can call, without the aid, oreven the knowledge of the main station, any other station connected onthe same wireinterposed between said branch station and the mainstation.

The station -F is provided with a switch or key--f and with terminals fand -f mounted, respectively, on the wires F and H as previouslydescribed, and when the switch...f is in contact with the terminal -f anelectric current is sent from the battery -F -through the wire section Hand if the number and duration of the currents passed through thewiresection -lI correspond to the number and duration of currents forbringin,s the terminals -n n into contact, the bell G is brought intoaction thus attracting the attention of the operator at station G-.

As previously described, each of the stations BCD-EF is provided withkeys b -,c d e terminals h c d21 21, f21 d b22 22 d22 22 :f22 wherebyany of these stations may pass an electric current through the outer orsucceeding sections of the wire -H- and the succeeding branch stationsconnected thereto.

The stations -O- and --R of the series of branch stations connected tothe wires .-T-U have been described as provided with keys -o -r andterminals --0 r -'-o r and it will be readily understood that thestations PP'P -P -SS S S are provided with corresponding switches andterminals. It will thus be readily understood that by my invention anybranch station connected to a single wire may call, without the aid ofthe central station, a branch station on either side thereof, that thecentral ofice is called by a branch station only when desired to connectwith a branch station on a separate wire, as if the station -B- wishesto connectwith the station O and that as the switch at one station isautomatically closed, those at the others are automatically returned totheir normal position.

It will be evident that the number of stations connected to a singlewire may be varied at will; that the connections or wiring between theseparate stations may also be varied and that, as previously described,the switches for controlling the action of the respective signals of thestations may also be greatly varicd without departing from the spirit ofmy invention, which I do not limit to the precise features of detailconstruction and arrangement.

The operation of my invention will be readily perceived from theforegoing description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings,and it will be particularly noted that the essential feature thereof isa method of transmitting signals, and an apparatus for connectingtelephone or other stations so that the stations are divided into seriesso arranged and connected that any one of the series may call another ofthe same series or may call a central office for connection withastation of another series. Moreover, as each of the stations isprovided with an electric generator, several pairs of stations may besimultaneously connected on the same wire and several messages may besimultaneously transmitted, as for instance, when six stations areconnected to the same wire, the first and second, third and fourth, andfifth and sixth stations may be automatically connected as described.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same consisting of amain station, branch circuit wires connected to the main station, branchstations connected to the branch circuit wires, automaticallyoperatingswitches, as 7ztu-, at the main station connected to the branchcircuit wires, and like op-' erating switches as -t'jkZmn-0- and r inthe branch circuit wires at the branch stations; whereby the branchstations of separate circuits are connected through themedium of themain station or the branch stations of one of the circuits are connectedwithout the medium of the mainstation, and magnets at each branchstation connected to said circuit wires for automatically closing one ofsaid switches and simultaneously returning the others to their normalposition, substantially as set forth.

2. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a mainstation, circuit wires connected to the main station,

branch stations connected to the circuit wires,

each being provided with a signal operating electric circuit, normallyopen switches at the branch stations, each being provided with a movablemechanism for closing and breaking the signal operating circuit and astop for-'- tus, the same consisting of a main telephone station, branchcircuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connectedto the branch circuit wires, automatically operating switches asht-ui-g'-7cZ- m-n0- and 1" between the main station and the branchcircuit wires and between the branch stations and their respective wiressaid switches being provided with movable mechanisms and with stopstherefor whereby the branch stations of separate circuits are connectedthrough the medium of the main station, or the branch stations of one ofthe circuits are connected without the medium of the main station, andmovable resetters connected to said movable mechanisms for retractingthe same when the stops therefor are out of operative position,substantially as specified.

4. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a mainstation, a circuit wire connected to the main station, branch stationsconnected to the circuit wire, independent signal operating electriccircuits for the main and branch stations, normally open switches atsaid stations, each be ing provided with a movable mechanism forclosing'and breaking the signal operating circuit and with a stop forholding a portion of said movable mechanism inits adjusted position, andmagnets at said stations connected to' said movable mechanisms and tosaid stops and provided with armatures for operating said mechanisms toclose the signal operating circuits and for actuating the stops out oftheir operative position, substantially asand for the purpose set forth.

5. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a mainstation, a circuit wire connected to the main station, branch stationsconnected to the circuit wire, independent signal operating electriccircuits for the main and branch stations, normally open switches atsaid stations, each being provided with a movable mechanism for closingand breaking the signal operating circuit and astop for holding aportion of said movable mechanism in its adjusted position, magnets atsaid stations connected to said movable mechanisms and to-said stops andprovided with armatures for operating said mechanisms to close thesignal operating circuits and for actuating the stops out of operativeposition, and a series of movable resetters connected to said movablemechanisms for retracting the same when the stops are out of theiroperative position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a mainstation, circuit Wires connected to the main station, branch stationsconnected to the circuit wires, a terminal at each of the branchstations, a second terminal at each of the branch stations arranged tomove from its normal position into contact with the first terminal,suitable actuating mechanisms between the circuit wires and the secondterminals for moving the same into contact with the first terminals, amagnet at each station and a plurality of armatures operated by eachmagnet, said armatures being connected to operate said terminalactuating mechanisms and electrical cu rrent generators at the main andbranch stations independently operating said actuating mechanisms,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

7. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a mainstation, circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stationsconnected to the circuit wires,

a plurality of armatures at each of the branch stations connected,substantially as described, to the circuit wires, and normally separatedcircuit terminals at each of said branch stations, connected,substantially as described, to said plurality of armatures,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a mainstation, circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stationsconnected to the circuit wires, electric magnets at the branch stations,normally separated electriccircuit terminals at each of said branchstations, and a plurality of armatures for each of said magnetsconnected, substantially as described, to said terminals, sustantiallyas and for the purpose set forth.

9. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a mainstation, a circuit wire connected to the main station, branch stationsconnected to the circuit wire, normally separated terminals at each ofsaid stations, and a plurality of armatures at each of said stationsconnected, substantially as described, to said circuit wire and to saidterminals, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

10. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising amain station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branchstations connected to the circuit wires, a terminal at each of thebranch stations, a second terminal at each of the branch stations, amagnet at each station, and-a plurality of armatures operated by eachmagnet and connected to the corresponding terminals for antomaticallyconnecting and disconnecting the same and electrical current generatorsat the main and branch stations, substantially as and for the purposedescribed.

11. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising amain station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branchstations connected to the circuit wires, normally separated terminals ateach of the branch stations, an automatically returning movable supportat each branch station for connecting the separated terminals at saidstation, stops for holding the movable supports in their adjustedposition, magnets connected to the circuit wires and provided witharmatures connected to said movable ICC supports for operating the sameto connect the terminals and connected to said stops for holding thesame out of their operative position when one of the switches is closed,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

12. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising amain station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branchstations connected to the circuit wires, normally separated terminals ateach of the branch stations,a movable support at each station forconnecting the terminals at said station, stops for holding the movablesupports in their adjusted position, magnets connected to the circuitwires and provided with armatures connected to said movable supports foroperating the same to connect the terminals and connected to said stopsfor holding the same out of their operative position when one of theswitches is closed, and resetters for automatically returning the supports when one of the switches is closed,substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

13. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising amain station, circuit wires connected to the main station, switchesbetween the main station and the circuit wires, each provided withnormally separated terminals, and with a movable support for connectingsaid terminals, branch stations connectedtothe circuitwires,switchesbetween the circuit wires and their respective stations each providedwith normally separated terminals and with a movable support forconnecting said terminals, stops for bolding the movable supports of theswitches in their adjusted positions, magnets connected to the circuitwires and provided with armatures connected to saidniovable supports foroperating the same to connect the terminals and connected to said stopsfor holding the same out of their operative position when one of theswitches is closed, and resetters for automatically returning thesupportswhen one of the switches is closed, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

14. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising acircuit wire, stations connected to the circuit wire, generators at eachof the stations, and connections between each station and the portionsof the circuit wire on opposite sides thereof for passing a current fromthe generators at said stations through opposite sides of the circuitwire, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising acircuit wire, stations connected to the circuit wire automatic switchesbetween each of the stations and the circuit wire for connecting saidstations to the circuit wire, generators at each of the stations, andconnections between each station and the portions of the circuit wire onopposite sides thereof for passing a current from the generator throughopposite sides of the circuit wire, and automatically closing one ofsaid switches, substantially as and'for the purpose specified.

16. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising amain station, branch circuit wires connected to the main station, branchstations connected to the branch circuit wires, automatically operatingswitches between the main station and the branch circuit wires andbetween the several circuit wires and their respective branch stations,electric generators at the branch stations, and connections between thebranch stations and the portions of the circuit wires on opposite sidesthereof for passing a cur-' rent from the generators at said stationsthrough opposite sides of said circuit wires, substantially as and forthe purpose specified.

17. The herein described electrical'apparatus, the same comprising acircuit wire, stations connected to said wire and provided with normallybroken electric circuits and with signals adapted to be brought into op-(nation by the closing of the normally broken circuits, normally openswitches connected to the normally broken circuits for automaticallyclosing the same, magnets at said stations connected to said switchesfor automatically closing the said switches one at a time and closingthe'normally open signal operating circuits connected thereto, electricgenerators at said stations, and connections between the branch stationsand the portions of the circuit wire on opposite sides thereof forpassing a current from the generators through the opposite sides of saidwire, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same consisting of amain station, branch circuit wires connected to the main station,switching mechanism at the main station for connecting said branchcircuit wires, automatically operating switches as ht uat the mainstation connected to the branch circuit wires, signal mechanisms at themain station connected to said switches, like operating switches as-'ij7cZ-mnoand --rin the branch circuit wires at the branch stations,signals at the branch stations, generators at each of the stations andconnections between each branch station and the portions of the circuitwires on opposite sides thereof for passing a current from thegenerators at said stations through opposite sides of the circuit wire,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name, in the presence oftwo at testing witnesses, at Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga,in theState of New York, this 22d day of April, 1892.

GEORGE W. HEY.

Witnesses:

CLARK I-I. Neuron, L. M. BAXTEE.

